PERFECT FOR:
- Families and travelers of all ages
- History & Architecture Buffs
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Returning visitors to Indochina or Asia
A Cultural Tour of Cambodia’s Past & Present – Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kep
11 Days / 9 Nights – Tour Code (CMB) – Private Tour – Daily departure
While Cambodia is often exclusively associated with the magnificent Angkor Wat, there is plenty more that meets the eye when it comes to truly experiencing Cambodia – its food, its culture and most extraordinarily, its people. We will preface this by saying this tour may not be for everyone. But for those seeking beyond the beaten path and wish to see Cambodia “unfiltered”, this trip will forever change your life.
Your tour begins with Siem Reap, home to the ever-impressive Angkor Wat that offers a glimpse into the untold mysteries of the mighty Khmer Empire dating back to the 9th Century. Feast your eyes with a plethora of stunning architectures including the massive Angkor Wat Temple, the ancient fortified city of Angkor Thom, the “jungle temple” of Ta Prohm featured hit movie Lara Croft – Tomb Raiders, and the beautifully crafted Banteay Srei Temple built in pink sandstone. Catch a glimpse life outside the tourist spotlight by embarking on a time capsule to Tonle Sap Lake’s primitive floating communities to observe the day-in-the-life of the local Khmer fisherman, or kids play on the Great Lake. At night, Siem Reap comes alive with its colorful night markets and quaint open-air restaurants teeming with locals and tourists alike.
Next, travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city that showcases the country’s humble present, promising future, and painful past. Visit the city’s famed landmarks including the opulent Royal Palace and National Museum. Observe modern-day Cambodia’s modest way of life and feel how it pales in comparison to that of first world societies. Relive Cambodia’s dark chapter under the brutal Khmer Rouge era by visiting Tuol Sleng, or S-21, a high school turned into an interrogation and torture facility; and the mind-boggling Killing Fields where tens of thousands of Cambodians were mercilessly murdered under Pol Pot’s regime. As distressing as these sights might be, it is through learning about the country’s horrific past can one truly gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Cambodian people, then and now.
After a couple of days in the big city, it’s time for some R&R. We end your Cambodia adventure journeying southwest bound thru the lush countryside, passing thru small rural villages, to the tiny seaside town Kep. Nestled on the coast of Gulf of Thailand, this little gem is completely off the tourist grid. There are no neon lights, souvenir shops, nauseating bars – just a quaint, peaceful beach town popular amongst the locals. Relax and soak up the sun and surf. Stroll thru Crab Market to observe the local fishermen bring in the day’s catch. Sample tantalizing seafood at one of many unassuming waterfront restaurants. Explore the neighboring towns by motorbike or simply mingle with the friendly locals. Whatever your definition of getting away from it all, Kep will not disappoint.
From Siem Reap’s awe-inspiring Angkor temples to Phnom Penh’s shimmering palaces. Tonle Sap’s serene floating villages to Kep’s unsurpassed seaside charm. Timeless traditions to warm, gentle smiles. This is an unforgettable journey that will change your life.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Economy Class Air via Cathay Pacific Airways from USA
- Economy Class Siem Reap / Phnom Penh Airfares per itinerary
- 9 nights hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Other meals as specified per itinerary (food only)
- Private Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional Guides
SIEM REAP (4 nights)
- 4 nights at Lotus Blanc Hotel (Superior) OR Shinta Mani Angkor (Deluxe)
- Extensive private sightseeing of Angkor Temples
- Private boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake at Kampong Kleang
- “Phare” Cambodian Circus Performance
- Landmine Museum & APOPO Hero Rats Project
PHNOM PENH (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Amanjaya Pancam Hotel (Superior) OR Palace Gate Hotel* (Deluxe)
- Extensive sightseeing including Royal Palace, National Museum, Tuol Sleng & Killing Fields
KEP (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Samanea Beach Resort (Superior) OR Knai Baan Chat Resort (Deluxe)
- Free time to relax, soak up the Cambodian countryside and explore this beautiful region on your own
*Accommodations at Palace Gate Hotel features Royal/Apsara Suite
Day 1 Depart USA
Depart North America for Siem Reap via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.
Day 2 Arrive Siem Reap
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, be met by your personal guide and transferred to your hotel for your next 4 nights’ accommodations. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to relax and explore Siem Reap on your own.
Day 3 Siem Reap
Your introduction of Cambodia starts with a visit to a beautifully decorated shrine containing the statues of two sisters, thought to have been Angkorian princesses dating back nearly one thousand years. Join the other pilgrims to make offerings and take photos at this sacred place of worship. Continue to a Buddhist temple for a private alms giving ceremony. Here, listen as monks quietly chant in the ancient Buddhist language of Pali. Breathe in the aromas of the lotus and jasmine flowers and the burning incense as you offer your alms to the monks. Participate in the ancient Cambodian practice by receiving a traditional water blessing.
After lunch, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture and the national symbol of Cambodia. Angkor Wat is the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Continue on to the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Covering a an area of 10 square kilometers and enclosed by a wall and wide moats, this ancient city is home to many of Angkor’s most popular sights. (B,L)
Day 4 Siem Reap
Your morning begins with a visit to Banteay Srei. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Continue to the Roluos Group Temples which mark the beginning of Khmer classical art as well as some of earliest great temples built by the Khmer. Later, visit Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor. Featured in the blockbuster hit movie Lara Croft -Tomb Raider, Ta Prohm depicts what most Angkor Temples looked like when European explorers first stumbled across them. Last but certainly least, enjoy the fascinating “Phare” Cambodian Circus that combines traditional and modern theatre, music, dance and acrobatics. (B)
Day 5 Siem Reap
Today, embark on a cultural journey and travel through the Cambodian countryside to Kampong Kleang for a inspiring boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake. Tonle Sap, or Great Lake swells up to seven times its original size during the monsoon season with an ecosystem that is one of the richest and most diverse in the region. Here, observe the villagers’ primitive way-of-life as you journey through the lake’s floating fishing communities. Afterwards, visit two uncommon sights of Siem Reap – Landmine Museum and APOPO. Landmine Museum is small but extremely informative that offers a a valuable glimpse into the turbulent recent history of Cambodia as well as its ongoing problems with landmines. Opened in 1999, it was the first of its kind in Cambodia. Afterwards, visit APOPO. Here, you’ll get a chance to observe how rats are being trained to save lives seeing some of these ‘hero-rats’ in action. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 6 Siem Reap / Phnom Penh
Fly to Phnom Penh, the charming yet somewhat chaotic capital of Cambodia. Commence sightseeing of the Royal Palace. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, this vast compound comprises of several revered treasures including the Silver Pagoda, a gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds, and the 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Afterwards, visit the Champey Academy of Arts (Caa), a local non-profit school offering impoverished youth free training in Cambodian traditional arts including dance, music, drawing and painting. Champey’s mission is to inspire young people to preserve, protect and promote their nation’s culture. Continue to the nearby National Museum exclusively devoted to preserving and exhibiting Khmer art and sculptures, home to hundreds of relics spanning both pre-and post-Angkorian era. Lunch is served at the exclusive FCC. (B,L)
Day 7 Phnom Penh
Today’s program offers a glimpse to the horrors of the Pol Pot Regime as a way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for modern-day Cambodia. Visit Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21, a former High School that was used by the Khmer Rouge regime as the interrogation and torture facility. Kept largely unchanged, Tuol Sleng showcases photographs and exhibits about the tens of thousands of victims that passed through these doors – of which only seven of whom came out alive. Afterward, continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, one of numerous mass graves that was later discovered. The Killing Fields provide a stark reminder of the atrocities under the Pol Pot regime where millions of innocent Cambodians were mercilessly murdered. Afternoon free at leisure to relax and explore Phnom Penh on your own. (B)
Day 8 Phnom Penh / Kep
After a plethora of sights and sounds, it’s time for some R&R. This morning, travel by road through the countryside, passing through small rural towns, to the quaint seaside town of Kep. En-route, visit a Pepper Plantation for which this region is well known for producing some of the best green, black and white peppers in the world. Check-in at your resort and enjoy your next 3 days in paradise. (B)
Day 9 Kep
Full day free at leisure to relax and enjoy Kep’s peaceful setting and charming local vibes. For the adventure minded, why not rent a motorbike or hire a car to the quaint riverside town of Kampot and/or several limestone caverns nearby. (B)
Day 10 Kep
Full day free at leisure. (B)
Day 11 Return Home
Transfer to Phnom Penh Airport (approx. 3 hours) your departure flight home, connecting in Hong Kong and arrive the same day. (B)
****END OF PROGRAM****
| 2022/23 Price Chart (Prices valid through March 31, 2022) | |||||
| Daily Departure | Land Only | West Coast | East Coast | Single Supplement | |
| Jan. – Mar. ’22 | S | 2,345 | 3,585 | 3,685 | 925 |
| D | 3,235 | 4,485 | 4,585 | 1,745 | |
| April | S | 2,235 | 3,435 | 3,535 | 925 |
| D | 3,045 | 4,285 | 4,385 | 1,745 | |
| May* | S | 1,985 | 3,205 | 3,305 | 635 |
| D | 2,895 | 4,135 | 4,235 | 1,575 | |
| Jun. – Aug. | S | 1,985 | 3,735 | 3,935 | 635 |
| D | 2,895 | 4,635 | 4,835 | 1,575 | |
| September | S | 1,985 | 3,195 | 3,295 | 635 |
| D | 2,895 | 4,135 | 4,235 | 1,575 | |
| Oct. – Nov. | S | 2,435 | 3,655 | 3,755 | 945 |
| D | 3,345 | 4,605 | 4,705 | 1,795 | |
| December** | S | 2,435 | 3,655 | 3,755 | 945 |
| D | 3,345 | 4,585 | 4,685 | 1,795 | |
| Jan. – Mar. ’23 | S | 2,435 | 3,655 | 3,755 | 945 |
| D | 3,345 | 4,585 | 4,685 | 1,795 | |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |||||
|
S = Superior | D = Deluxe West Coast = LAX/SFO/SEA East Coast = JFK/EWR/BOS/IAD/ORD |
|||||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
- Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
- Land only cost includes intra-Asia flights per itinerary
- A Visas is required for Cambodia. Not included in package.
- For Air & Land Option:
- When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Friday-Sunday), add $50 per person each direction.
- *Jun-Aug rates apply for departures between May 24-31 due to peak season airfares
- **Airfare supplement of $500 (West Coast) | $600 (East Coast) applies for departures between December 10 – 31
- U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $230 – subject to change).
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
Cambodia Gallery
Related Blogs
HIGHLIGHTS
- Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom
- Private Alms Giving Ceremony with Monk’s Blessing
- Phare Cambodian Circus
- Landmine Museum & APOPO Hero Rats Project
- Boat trip of Tonle Sap Lake
- Tuol Sleng (S-21) & Killing Fields
- Royal Palace
- Visit to a performing arts school for impoverished children
- Beach Escape in Kep
Price Starting From:
$3,205
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Siem Reap – Lotus Blanc Resort
Phnom Penh – Palace Gate Hotel
Siem Reap – Shinta Mani Angkor Hotel
Kep – Samanea Beach Resort
Phnom Penh – Amanjaya Pancam Suites
Kep – Knai Bang Chatt Resort
WHAT PRIVATE TOUR MEANS
